How to Clean Garbage Disposals & Dishwashers

Turn on the water faucet in the sink and start the garbage disposal. Allow it to run for several seconds to clear any current debris from inside the unit.

Look under the sink and find the disposer inlet. Look for it between the garbage disposal and the dishwasher pipes. Make sure you've removed the knock-out and clean the inlet of any dirt, food or debris.

Fill a small bowl with ice cubes and pour into the garbage disposal. Turn on the water and start the garbage disposal to grind the ice cubes in the disposal. This will help remove items that are stuck in the disposal or on the disposal blades.

Place sections of a citrus fruit, like an orange, lemon or lime, into the garbage disposal. Run water over the fruit and turn on the garbage disposal.

Place 2 cups of white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe dish in the dishwasher top rack. Run a normal wash cycle with hot water to clean the dishwasher. Remove the dish when the cycle is complete.

Use a soft, soapy brush to gently scrub down the sides and bottom of the dishwasher to remove excess film and material on the dishwasher surface. Wipe down with a clean, damp cloth.